Spring 2025 Issue 3

Sustainable Spring Cleaning

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A flat lay of eco-friendly cleaning products, including brushes, spray bottles, sponges, and cloths, arranged on a textured surface with green leaves as decoration.

With spring just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to refresh your space with some spring cleaning. Clearing out winter clutter and giving your room a deep clean can help you feel more comfortable in your space. You can make your spring-cleaning routine more sustainable with these tips.

Eco-Friendly Cleaning:

  • Ditch the Disposables: Swap single-use sponges, dusters and paper towels for reusable options. Try a Swedish dishcloth in place of paper towels or repurpose your old t-shirts into cleaning rags.
  • Rethink harsh chemicals: Many traditional cleaning products contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can irritate your skin and lungs. Worse, when washed down the drain or tossed out, these chemicals pollute rivers, lakes, and streams. This Environmental Working Group resource provides safer, eco-friendly alternatives.
  • Level up your laundry: Washing your clothes on cold reduces your energy usage, prevents shrinking, keeps colors vibrant, and extends the life of your clothes. Swap your dryer sheets for reusable wool dryer balls and try out new sustainable solutions like detergent sheets.

Declutter your Space: 

  • Pack smart for Spring Break: Moving out at the end of the semester can be stressful, often causing students to throw out items they’d prefer to keep due to lack of space or time. If you’re headed home for spring break, consider taking your winter clothes and other items you won’t need for the rest of the semester to make move-out easier.
  • Donate with intention: Before tossing out unwanted clothes, housewares, books, etc.., look for ways you can keep these items in circulation. Selling your items on eBay, Depop or to local shops ensures your items will go to someone else who wants them. If you decide to donate, choose local options rather than big thrift stores that often receive more donations than they can sell.
  • Recycle Responsibly: As you’re clearing out old papers, electronics, and other waste, make sure you’re disposing of them correctly. Unsure of how to sort your waste? Play CSU’s Zero Waste game for a refresher and to win a prize! If you need help identifying recycling resources, reach out to your eco leader.

Adopting a more sustainable spring-cleaning routine sets you up for success. Decluttering now means less stress during May move-out, and a better study environment now. Happy Cleaning!

International House & University Village 1500 CAM-Unity March

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Recipe of the Month

Buffalo-inspired Chicken Nachos Recipe

A casserole dish filled with chips, accompanied by a fresh salad and a bowl of vibrant salsa on the side.

Ingredients:

  • 250g leftover roast chicken
  • 200g bag Tesco cool tortilla chips
  • 130ml hot sauce
  • 30g of butter
  • 140g mozzarella, grated
  • 4 tbsp sour cream and chive dip
  • 3 celery sticks, roughly chopped
  • 100g blue cheese
  • 4 spring onions, finely sliced
  • 1 red chili, finely sliced
  • 2 tsp black sesame seeds
  • Green salad, optional

Method:

  1. Preheat the oven to 200°C, fan 180°C. Shred or roughly chop the roast chicken and toss it through the hot sauce and melted butter. Lay half the tortilla chips on a large roasting or baking tray. Sprinkle over half the mozzarella, and dot over the sour cream and chive dip, then top with the remaining tortilla chips.
  2. Sprinkle over the remaining mozzarella, the chicken and sauce, and chopped celery.
  3. Bake in the oven for 10-15 mins until hot and the cheese has melted. Remove and top with blue cheese, spring onions, red chili, and sesame seeds, and serve with a green salad.

Restaurant of the Week

Saffron Scoops n’ Bites

902 W Drake Rd, Unit #4 Fort Collins, CO 80526

970-372-4508

https://www.saffronscoopsnbites.com/

Description:

Welcome to Saffron Scoops n Bites, where every bite and scoop brings a burst of flavor and joy! Started by a group of CSU engineering alumni, we’re on a mission to bring the rich flavors of Indian culture to Fort Collins. From savory samosas to flavorful biryanis, our menu is crafted to delight. And don’t forget our irresistible ice cream selection—because dessert makes everything better! Stop by and enjoy a taste of India, made with passion and pride, right here in Fort Collins!

Daily Deals:

Mondays: Second Curry is 50% off

Tuesdays: 50% off al Biryani

Wednesday: BOGO Ice Cream

Thursday-Sunday: BOGO Indian Street Foods

Saturday-Sunday: BOGO Chicken Korma

Metal ice cream scooper with pink ice scream.

Campus Resource Spotlight: Morgan Library

Tucked right in the heart of CSU’s campus, the Morgan Library isn’t just another building—it’s a dynamic hub of learning, creativity, and community!

With a massive collection of over 2 million books, journals, and online databases, it’s the perfect place to power through research projects or crush your next big assignment. Need a study spot? You’re covered! Choose from quiet individual carrels for solo focus sessions or group study rooms for productive collaboration. Plus, the computer labs are packed with the latest software and tech, giving you all the digital tools you need to succeed.

And when you need a break? Swing by Morgan’s Grind, the cozy on-site café, for a quick bite or a much-needed caffeine boost.

So why not stop by and see for yourself? Whether you’re tracking down the perfect source, searching for a quiet nook to study, or just grabbing a latte between classes, the Morgan Library has everything you need. The friendly staff is always happy to help with research or answer questions—so don’t hesitate to say hello! Make it a part of your CSU experience and take full advantage of this incredible resource.

FoCo festivals to put on your calendar in March'25

March 1st – March 14th 

Great Plates of Downtown

Great Plates of Downtown is an award-winning dining promotion and fundraiser benefiting the Food Bank for Larimer County. From March 1st to March 14th, enjoy delicious, limited-time breakfast, lunch, dinner, and all-day menu specials from 51 restaurants in Downtown Fort Collins. The specials are priced at $25, $35, $45, and $15 & under, 2025 specials will be announced on Valentine’s Day.

Great Plates, Greater Purpose. Choose Your Perfect Plate!

March 1 @ 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm MST

Tales of Renewal and Life – Mozart’s “Piano Concerto No. 20” and Farrenc’s Symphony No. 3

Discover the spirit of renewal and life through Mozart’s dramatic Piano Concerto No. 20 in D Minor performed by Canadian pianist Sheng Cai, Louise Farrenc’s inspiring Symphony No. 3, and Chilean composer Carlos Zamora’s Sikuris, based on traditional music from the people of the Atacama Desert.

Purchase tickets at LCTix.com.

March 31

Global Sounds

Celebrate music from around the world during this one-day event in Downtown Fort Collins. Keep an eye on the Bohemian Live Music page (https://bohemianlivemusic.org/outdoor-events/global-sounds/) for the lineup to be announced.

Cartoon ram holding a sign that says, "Rams take care of rams!" Speech bubble says, "Please pick up trash in your community!.

University Village 1600 & 1700 CAM-Unity March

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Ramadan 101

Ramadan (also spelled Ramzan) is a sacred month observed by Muslims worldwide, including many in our own CSU community. It’s a time of fasting, reflection, and community, and here’s what you should know to be mindful and supportive of your Muslim friends, colleagues and neighbors.

What Happens During Ramzan?

  • Fasting: From dawn to sunset, Muslims refrain from eating, drinking (even water!), and other daily comforts as a form of spiritual discipline. The fast begins with a pre-dawn meal called Suhoor (also known as Sehri in Indian-subcontinent) and is broken at sunset with a meal called Iftar.
  • Prayer & Reflection: Muslims engage in extra prayers, including special nightly prayers called Taraweeh. You might notice more activity at mosques, especially in the evenings.
  • Community & Charity: Giving back is a key part of Ramzan, with many Muslims donating to charity and helping those in need.

How You Can Be Considerate

  • If you have Muslim colleagues or friends who are fasting, being mindful during mealtimes—such as understanding if they skip lunch or prefer to join gatherings later in the day—can be a thoughtful gesture.
  • Expect adjusted schedules—many Muslims wake up early for Suhoor and stay up late for prayers, so energy levels may vary throughout the day.
  • A simple “Ramadan Mubarak” (Happy Ramadan) is a warm way to acknowledge the month!
  • As the month concludes, Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr, a festive holiday marking the end of fasting. You might notice gatherings, special meals, and new attire as families come together for the joyous occasion.